Supervisory Transportation Specialist (Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)) SME (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Full Job Description

This supervisory position is with the National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety (National Center) in the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

In this key role, you will oversee the National Center's business operations, project management, and staff supervision, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with organizational goals.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements.

To qualify for the GS-14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience in trends and conditions in the LNG industry, laws and regulations that define the Federal LNG safety programs and applying the concepts, principles, and methods associated with LNG safety.

Experience in program and project management techniques to optimize business operations and analyze an organization's processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Experience serving as a team leader or supervisor, such as developing performance standards; resolving informal complaints or grievances; making recommendations on personnel actions (e.g., promotions, reassignments, details, etc.); and affecting disciplinary and adverse actions.

Experience developing and managing project plans, budgets, resource allocations, schedules, audits, performance, and implementation/communication plans.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Planning and Evaluating - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.

Project Management - Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.

Communications and Media - Knowledge of the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Managing Human Resources - Plans, distributes, coordinates, and monitors work assignments of others; evaluates work performance and provides feedback to others on their performance; ensures that staff are appropriately selected, utilized, and developed, and that they are treated in a fair and equitable manner.

Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Major Duties:

As the Supervisory Transportation Specialist, your duties will include, but not be limited to, the following: Lead and coordinate programs that strengthen Federal expertise in LNG facility operations, management, and safety practices; implement initiatives that provide Federal and industry stakeholders with a central repository of resources and guidance on operational best practices; and foster collaboration across government agencies, industry partners, and public stakeholders to promote safe practices, innovative solutions, and effective regulatory activities advancing LNG safety and operational excellence nationwide.

Supervise 4-6 staff (GS-9 or higher).

Develops performance standards, assigns work, evaluate performance, resolve informal complaints, and recommend staffing actions (appointments/promotions/reassignments/details) Lead the National Center's business operations and project management.

Develop project plans, manage budgets and resource allocations, establish standard operating procedures, and implement process improvements to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Lead multi-agency, cross-functional initiatives.

Coordinate teams, set program priorities aligned with the Director, and provide implementation support of activities consistent with program objectives and within established timelines.

Provide senior strategic advice on LNG operations and safety.

Review documentation and proposals to advise agency leadership, stakeholders, and partners on federal LNG safety programs and policy decisions. Serve as principal liaison and communications lead.

Maintain networks across OPS, PHMSA, federal/state regulators, industry, and public stakeholders. Prepare reports, briefings, and correspondence materials to support program execution.

The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced manager and team leader who has developed and executed national programs that produced measurable successes and improvements.

As the Supervisory Transportation Specialist for the National Center, you will supervise professional staff, lead business operations and project management, and coordinate multi‐agency initiatives to advance program priorities.

You will possess strong skills to resolve sensitive, controversial and complex topics, while assessing, identifying, and recommending solutions that balance Agency requirements with stakeholder needs.

This role requires strong decision-making in advising senior leadership, excellent oral and written communication skills, proven ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders, and a mission driven, collaborative team player.